Lady Cats Will Battle for First Place at Hallsville Friday
The Lady Cats Basketball Team set up a first place battle at Hallsville Friday night at 6:30 p.m. by defeating Greenville on the road, 63-49 Tuesday night. This one was much tougher than the first meeting. In that one, the Lady Cats played stifling defense to take a 64-22 win in Wildcats Gym on January 8. The second victory over Greenville improved the Lady Cats district record to 10-2 and their season mark to 23-6.
Hallsville held a one game lead over the Lady Cats going into a road game at Mt. Pleasant Tuesday night. The first time Hallsville and the Lady Cats played, the Lady Bobcats staged a big comeback late in the game to take a 49-47 win in Wildcats Gym on January 12.
Tough Defense, 11 3-Point Baskets Highlight Wildcat Win
basketball
The Wildcats Basketball Team hit 11 three-point baskets and played tough defense against Greenville when it counted as the Wildcats topped the Lions, 71-53 in Wildcats Gym Tuesday night.
Keaston Willis led the Wildcats with 18 points including 4 three-pointers. Ke’Ontae Dunn had 17 points with 3 threes. Bryson Lynn also had 2 three-pointers and Michael Arnold and Garrett Jones had 1 each.
The Wildcats limited Greenville to only 8 points in both the first and second quarters as the Wildcats built a 37-16 lead. The Wildcats lead rose to 26 points after three quarters, 56-30. The win improved the Wildcats district record to 3-7 and their season mark to 10-16.
The Wildcats have now won more games this year than last year, Coach Clark Cipoletta’s first as head coach of the Wildcats. The Wildcats play HallsvilleFriday night at 7:30 p.m. in Wildcats Gym. Hallsville won handily at home back on January 12.
Representative Flynn Reflects on Past Legislation, Looks to the Future of Texas
Dan Flynn, Texas House District 2 Representative, stopped by KSST Tuesday morning. In the museum at KSST, KSST News spoke with Flynn about the recent legislative session and about specific concerns for the future of Texas. Flynn is seeking reelection. Pictured above, Flynn records his ads promoting campaign. Below is the interview with Representative Flynn.
Pilot Club’s Hoop Dreams Provides Basketball Experience for Special Needs Kids
Nine years ago the Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs began a program they called Hoop Dreams. A dozen special needs kids had the chance to enjoy basketball. Monday night from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Elementary School main gym, Hoops Dreams continued. The program has grown. 35 kids from ages 5 to 19 participated Monday night. Beverly Owens with the Pilot Club says five of the kids have participated in Hoop Dreams each and every year since the beginning.
Last year the Sulphur Springs Lions Club began to volunteer. Lion Don Sapaugh serves as the P.A. Announcer for Hoop Dreams. The kids keep him busy scoring baskets as Sapaugh has to watch two games going on at once. Sapaugh says the Lions love to help. Most of them serve as coaches. Ms. Owens says volunteers who help out end up receiving more from the kids than they give. She says the kids bless their hearts.
The program runs for four Monday nights. After games on February 22, all the kids will be receiving awards.
Control of Grassburs: Proper Timing is Critical
by Mario Villarino
This time of the year most of our pastures and lawns remain idle. The cold temperatures make our Bermuda based pastures become dormant waiting for warmer weather. This is the time for us to start planning our noxious weed control during pasture and lawn dormancy, since grasses do not get terribly affected by non-targeted herbicides. According to Dr. McAfee, former Turf Specialist (deceased) for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, grassburs are a common weed that can be found in home lawns, sports fields, parks and along roadsides.
This weed is especially adapted to dry, sandy soils but can be found growing in other types of soils as well. The big problem with this weed is the sharp, spiny burs that are part of the inflorescence. These burs can be painful and are difficult to remove from clothing material.
Field sandburs (grassburs) generally start germinating in late spring and will continue to germinate until late summer or early fall months. This weed will continue to grow until the first hard frost or freeze occurs in the fall. Field sandburs (grassburs) are generally not a problem in well maintained turfgrass areas. With proper fertilization, mowing and irrigation, you can produce a turf that is dense enough to prevent sandbur (grassbur)s from becoming a problem.
However, if field sandburs (grassburs) do become a problem there are several effective herbicides that can be used to control this particular weed. The most effective and efficient method of control is to use a pre-emergent herbicide. To be effective, these pre emergents need to be applied before weed seeds germinate — generally when the soil temperature (NOT the air temperature) reaches 52 degrees F. This usually occurs by March 15 in the central Texas area. In north Texas areas, apply the pre-emergent by April 1 and in southern areas of the state by March 1. If a post-emergence herbicide s is used, wait until the day time temperatures are about 75 degrees F. for the products to be most effective. To insure complete control of germinating grass burrs in heavily infested areas, extend the residual of the herbicide barrier in the soil and thus extend the length of control period by making applications of the pre-emergent herbicide EVERY 6 WEEKS through September. In areas with a light infestation of grass burrs, two applications that are 6 weeks apart and after the initial application should control seed germination. As always, the pre-emergent application needs to be watered in thoroughly. Not applying enough water after application of a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the main reason for failure to effectively obtain control of the annual grassy weeds such as sandburs (grassburs).
REMEMBER: A dense stand of healthy grass provides the best weed control. Because most weeds are “opportunists” that invade weakened lawns, the fight against weeds starts with good management. All cultural practices such as mowing, fertilizing and watering should be done in a manner and time that will favor the grass rather than the weeds. Height of mowing influences competition against weeds such as crabgrass – the higher the cut, the lower the infestation. Frequent light sprinkling encourages shallow-rooted weeds and seed germination. Less frequent “deep-soak” watering that maintains a dry surface layer provides the grass with a competitive advantage. Temperature, light, soil moisture and other factors determine the time and extent of weed germination and development. Some weeds germinate in early spring while others sprout in summer or fall. If conditions are favorable, a weed may be particularly abundant in a given year, but under different conditions the next year, it may be little in evidence. Although most herbicides are formulated with reliable safety factors, application rates higher than those recommended may cause injury to turf and other ornamental plants. Many people over apply herbicides, especially when using fertilizer-herbicide combinations. The user needs to follow instructions on containers carefully to avoid overdoses.
Eliminating weeds is of little value unless enough desirable grass is present to fill in bare spots. A reseeding program deserves first consideration if the turf is so weak that it will not recover once weeds are eliminated. Study soil and other conditions to determine reasons for low vigor of the original turf. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, region, national origin age, disability or veteran status.
Wildcats Tennis in Tournament Play
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said his team did well in a tournament last Friday hosted by Hallsville. Coach Martinez changed his boys doubles personnel and he said he liked what he saw last Friday. The team of junior Kade Brown and sophomore Joey Gatewood made it to the semifinals of consolation losing to a veteran team from Hallsville. The team of freshman Dwayne Flemmons and junior Harrison Harbin also played well according to Coach Martinez, especially since the new pairings had only been in place for a week or two.
Next the Wildcats will travel to a Kilgore tournament on February 12
Wildcats Powerlifting Takes First At Emory Rains
The Wildcats Powerlifting Team took first place at an Emory Rains Meet last Saturday. Wildcats Powerlifting Coach Jacob Alford said that ten members of his 11 man team earned medals and scored points.
Three lifters won first place in their weight classes: Oscar Yanez in the 114 pound class, Joel Morales in the 123 pound class and Isaiah Neal in the 181 pound class. Coach Alford said his lifters were getting better at every meet. He added right now six or seven of them would qualify for the regional meet.
Lifters have to be among the top twelve in the region in their weight class to qualify. The regional meet will take place March 5 in Lindale. Before that, the Wildcats will compete at a Paris meet on February 18.
“Updated, Additional Video”Renovation Bringing Change to the Civic Center Auditorium
Hopkins County Civic Center Auditorium is being renovated. Exterior doors are being raised and other work is being performed to prevent water in the building. Water in the auditorium has been a persisitent problem over the past years. Don Roundtree, who is directing the renovation, gave KSST a tour of the building Monday.
SSPD Monday Press Conference Video Regarding Organized Crime Ring
Monday Press Conference at the Sulphur Springs Police Department allowed a moment for Police Chief Jay Sanders to compliment the detectives who have investigated the theft of a number of all-terrain vehicles taken from NorTex Tractor and other dealerships in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Seven have been arrested and charged locally. Three additional suspects are being sought. Here is the press conference:
Flynn Notes His Conservatism Creates Good Fit With District 2
State Representative House District 2 Dan Flynn was in Sulphur Springs Tuesday morning for a meet and greet hosted by Donnie and Beth Wisenbaker. Flynn not only spoke of issues being faced in the state and district but is also seeking reelection to his post.
He also stopped by KSST Tuesday morning as well. KSST News talked to Flynn about his activity in the legislature and his campaign.
In the interview, Representative Flynn said Texas is the place to be right now. Several recent accomplishments of the legislature empower a continual healthy quality of life in the state according to Flynn. He stated that the legislature has given law enforcement at the border better equipment and more manpower. Regarding the border, Flynn said that this is a federal government responsibility to stop illegal immigration but he feels the state has assisted in slowing immigration.
Pro-life issues have been addressed with a conservative voice according to Flynn. He points out that his moral values require a conservative stance on the issue. Abortion laws have been strengthened in the legislature.
Transportation, education, and healthcare have been front burner issues as well. Toll roads have been built in recent years due to a lack of funds available to the state. Flynn said the toll roads that have been built were necessitated by need. However, he noted that tax moneys designated for roads will be directed toward specific needs. Public education and healthcare take up 80% of the state budget, according to Flynn. Flynn noted the reducing of testing in the STARR Test sequence from 15 to 5.
Second Amendment rights are also a priority for Texans and Flynn’s district. Flynn was named Legislator of the Year by the Texas Rifle Association.
Retirement benefits for retired teachers and state public employees have addressed in a proper manner as well. Flynn serves as the chair for the state retirement select-committee. He said police, fire, and municipal employee retirements were facing difficult days but answers are being found to answer the need of individuals living longer and retiring earlier.
Energy is a top priority for the legislature in the future. Flynn noted the challenge to the state budget with the fluctuation of oil prices. He stated that those who produce oil will find a way to keep profits flowing. Flynn also noted that a diversified economy that is known in Texas now will enable the state’s economy to continue strong.
Hopkins County inherited Flynn as state representative following redistricting. Flynn called redistricting the big gorilla around the neck. However, he notes Hopkins County has been a great fit for him. His ideals and the ideals of the area are much alike, he stated. Flynn noted the commitment of Hopkins County residents to enhancing life here. He said government is run by people that show up and the people of Hopkins County show up. He noted the Chamber of Commerce activities and especially the attendance at the chamber banquet each year. He also pointed to Celebration Plaza and both city and county activates that take place there as proof of citizen involvement.
He pointed out that he is a political conservative and that his current opponent cannot be more conservative that Flynn. Flynn stated that he was asked to form the TEA Party caucus when it was first formed. He stated that it has changed a little bit in its goals but he noted that he is representing the values of East Texas people and that is a conservative people. He said one only has to examine his positions taken on issues to note his conservatism.
Flynn’s response to challenges faced by his constituents has also been a priority. He noted that the day in and day out work of a legislator is not all that must be done. He stated his legislative staff works hard to listen to the need of those who seek the help of his office and then to follow through in finding answers to those needs. He notes that he is the voice of House District 2 in Austin and will continue to be committed to that task.
